WA cash splash 'manna from heaven'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced $1.6 billion to improve roads in Western Australia.Image: AAP

The Commonwealth's latest pre-election cash splash in Western Australia is being embraced as "manna from heaven" by Premier Mark McGowan.

On his second trip to Perth this month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday a $1.6 billion federal budget commitment for "congestion-busting" metropolitan and major regional road projects in WA.

There's also money for infrastructure for the McGowan government's flagship Metronet rail project, including a level crossing removal at Carlisle in the marginal Swan electorate, where Mr Morrison held a press conference.

He denied the Liberals were just shoring up seats.

"We're investing in it because the economy needs it," Mr Morrison told reporters.

Mr McGowan said the state government had asked for cash for all of the projects.

When asked if he conceded the Liberals were offering a better deal for WA than Labor, he replied that both sides would make more promises ahead of the federal election.

"I'd like to see both sides match the other's commitments," Mr McGowan said.

"I'm just very pleased that WA is getting a lot of attention at the moment.

"A bidding war for WA is manna from heaven and we've been arguing for this, trying for this, for a long time and it's finally happening."

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has also visited Perth twice in recent weeks, visiting marginal electorates such as Stirling, and announced various funding promises.